On composing ‘Life in the Universe’

The 'Life in the Universe' work consists of 5 movements and was written to accompany a 30 minute video assembled by the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre that led an examination of the various parts of the known universe likely to harbour 'life' or the elements necessary for the origination of life as we know it.

The ensemble we initially chose grew from string quartet with solo viola, (used more as a narrator than as a soloist), to encompass vibraphone, space drum, cajon and an electronic component. Synths based on certain planetary motions, devised by Sam Ryan, added depth and sheer starkness in texture and colour to the more traditional body of the ensemble. The space drum with its hauntingly beautiful yet simple palette of sounds added another contrast in mood as in 'Concourse to Destiny', rendering a more meditative mood. The vibraphone added its own unique colours: eerie bowed sounds and spacey percussiveness.

From the beginning of the process I wanted something cinematic. I began by listening to music that had been inspired by the subject of the Earth, of nature and of the cosmos, from the countless meditative soundscapes online, to Gustav Holst’s ‘The Planets’, to Vangelis’ Cosmos theme, to the more recent ‘Earth 2’ theme by Hans Zimmer. However, it was the music of David Shire’s 2010 Space Odyssey score and Elmer Bernstein’s iconic National Geographic theme that most effectively convinced me of the power of composition without the over-reliance on ‘sound FX.’ As such, I feel I’ve accomplished a good balance between the traditional ensemble and the digital tools part-and-parcel to 21st century music.

The ‘Life in the Universe’ score is fundamentally programmatic, reflecting in pace and mood the visuals that show over the inner dome. Yet, I’ve striven to grant the journey it’s own emotional character and independence. The many transition points, climaxes and plateaus throughout serve to heighten this duality. As such, it is my belief that the work may be listened to in two ways: one as the multi-media production as hosted by the planetarium, and the other purely as a piece of music without visuals.

To view the video, go here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_DhJOpav38&t=560s

Composed and performed for the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre's 50th anniversary on October 19th, 2018